kilnpriestess

About Me

I have just published my book, (2012) The Worship of Kiln Gods: From the Temples of China to the Studios of Western Potters. I teach ceramics, sculpture and art history in at the University of Brunei Darussalam, in Brunei Darussalam. This small but oil rich Islamic country is located on the Island of Broneo next to Malaysia. I am an old dinosaur when it comes to teaching, but a new dog when it comes to learning new things and passing them on. I do have a PhD--and yes it did help me to stay in school and learn more about art theory and how to be a better researcher and writer. On the other hand it did not make me a better potter in terms of skill or technique, but at least I can articulate more about ceramic concepts. Please take a look at my website, www.kilnlore.com.

*Currently, (Jan. 8, 2013) I am interested in posting about how I am staying active in clay by taking photos of natural clay formations in Brunei Darussalam. I hope to keep active in the ceramic community through my writing and my visits to clay dominated landscapes in places like Berakas Beach, in Brunei. Although I was hired to teach art history, sculpture, painting and ceramics at UBD, there is very little hope that we will ever be able to have a ceramic studio here. Last semester I taught ceramics, however, we had to make sculpture from found materials and driftwood because there is no possibility for getting the large donated electric kiln running. I hope that my posts about creating art from clay that has not be worked or fired will be of interest to other ceramists who also cannot work in the studio for various reasons. Furthermore, seeing clay in a new light might also be inspirational to producing potters as well.

My husband is a fabulous painter and his website is www.kongho.com . Kong also teaches at the University of Brunei Darussalam. We have no kids or pets, but lots of great students.